Pros and cons: dosing pumps vs calcium reactor!!

candcreef · Feb 18, 2014

Hello all....I am in the process of having to purchase either a dosing pump or a calcium reactor to keep up with my tank's needs...I currently have mostly sps colonies/frags with a few lps colonies...which is better/easier to use and why? Also, what are some of the drawbacks to each? Any help would be appreciated as I need to make a decision very soon....also, which would you recommend and what brand is best?

Thx for any and all help...

Conan

Assyrianfishguy · Feb 18, 2014

i have a cal reactor, but i need one for my 300 gal tank. dosing pump are easier to use but it all matters on how big of a tank, and what you plan on keeping. with time, and some studying youll be able to dail in a cal reactor for large tanks, but if you have a small tank. than just go with dosing pump.

candcreef · Feb 18, 2014

I have total water volume of 160 gallons...I plan on keeping mostly sps with a select few chalices and acans...I also plan on putting a few clams in as well..

mike007 · Feb 18, 2014

I would agree that dosing pumps are easier and more diversified. You can dose just about whatever you need. I use mine to dose ca., alk.,and mag. I am able to keep parameters stable by dosing 24 times a day.

Palting · Feb 18, 2014

My SPS dominant tank has a total system volume of 200 gallons. I use 175 cc's each of 2 part and a small dose of magnesium daily via a BM doser. Certainly simpler than a calcium reactor. May drawback to this much 2 part is that it will raise salinity, and you have to adjust via water changes.